Too good not to share!!! From last night's episode when Sylvia was wittering on to Peter about "Ain't She Sweet" to rub Norris' nose in it, having spotted him from across the road. After she left, Carla walked by and he gave her this look while gesturing at the departing Sylvia.

It's the end of the year and therefore time to take stock. What do they call it? Stocktaking? Like the Dear Leader (Flaming Nora . . .) I feel that the Corrie year has been a little ho-hum. We should fall to our knees in thanks for being delivered from the likes of the Ghastly Grays, Claire Peacock and, with hours to spare, Sian. The character of Becky has been redeemed of late but alas (or hurrah depending on which way the wind is blowing), that particular ship is about to sail forever. Ta-ra and thanks for the ranting.

The twists and turns of the Corrie plotlines will probably already have been sketched out until mid-summer so the following is probably redundant before I even type another letter. However, there are a few characters I would like to see more of in 2012 such as . . .

Beth - granted she's only appeared in one episode but I'm already wondering if she's going to be as one-dimensional as Cilla or if the writers are going to flesh her out a bit.

Sylvia - comedy gold with a hint of pathos. The calibre of Stephanie Cole's acting shows up some of the younger cast members. I was a little worried when her arrival was announced but Sylvia has been priceless in 2011. Plus she's not trying to be Blanche Mark 2.

Kirk - now seemingly a recurring extra. Will he ever get a meaty storyline or a relationship? Let's see a different side to Kirky in 2012.

Lloyd - here's hoping for a refreshed and renewed Lloyd in late 2012. He's now rid of his feckless bint of a girlfriend plus her scarily androgynous child. The character is a good one so let's hope the writers do him justice next year.

However, there are a few faces that I would happy to see less of, other than Tracy Barlow which, of course, goes without saying . . .

Steve - I don't suppose he will ever go but the character seems to be a complete bore. Physically he's morphing into Stan Ogden but with much less personality. Dull publican, dull businessman, dull dad. Give him an edge or get rid.

Nick - Gail's frail and elderly son creaks ever onwards with a series of poor business decisions and vile girlfriends. Another Street dullard, he brings little to the party. He manages to light up a room every time he leaves.

Eva - a pointless, shrill harpy. Again, the writers need to flesh her out or melt her down for candles. At the moment she seems to ping-pong between being either vacuous or annoying. Neither of them is a positive atrribute.

Tina - she's gone from fun-loving teen to Winsome Witch in a couple of years. This sneering, sour young woman has begun to drain the life out of every scene she appears in. One can only hope that the worryingly awful psycho cop Kirsty manages to polish her off. Soon.

Many blog posts over the past few months have also singled out Tommy, Mary and Stella as characters who seem to be going nowhere. Who would you like to see more of in 2012 and which characters would you happily dispatch in the back of a taxi?

For the second time this year we had an interrupted wedding with tears and accusations.This one didn't end in a romantic scene amid a smoky train station. It ended with one bride in a heap on the cobbles and another crying her heart out in a car.

I have to admit I felt back for both girls but in my doddering old age, I really did think they were too young for a lifelong committment. For once, I am in agreement with Sally and Kevin but what could they do but go along with it in the end?

Sophie and Sian are over just that quick! Kevin and Sunita both knew about Sophie's doubts and Kevin interrupted the wedding when Sophie seemed hesitant. Did he do the right thing?

2011 wasn't a great year for Coronation Street, in my opinion. I even stopped watching it during the summer of Stape for a few days and I've never - ever - deliberately not watched Coronation Street since I was 11 years old. And believe you me, that was a very long time ago.

So, my New Years Wish is that we get another Corrie producer in 2012.

Phil Collinson has had a go and if I was voting for him on Strictly Come Dancing, I'd say he did a passable paso and I'd award him Len's SEVEN! And while SEVEN's not bad, what I want and hope for in 2012 is a FAB-U-LOUS 10 out of 10 and for Corrie to waltz off with as many soap awards as possible.

Well, she was driven away by her mum from Weatherfield and Sophie last night on Coronation Street. But will we see Sian Powers back on Corrie one day? As she's not been killed off, I think it's highly likely she'll be back such has been the popularity of Sophie and Sian's relationship on the show.

Actress Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian, gives a farewell to fans at the official ITV Corrie website.

You can watch behind the scenes of Sacha's last day filming on Coronation Street as Sian makes an emotional departure and leaves Sophie behind. Sacha shares her wedding day filming secrets, including how the dresses were chosen and her thoughts on Sophie and Sian's relationship. Watch as Sacha and Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie, prepare to film their final sad scenes together on the cobbles, as Brooke cries during the rehearsals.

Plus see Sacha meet some of her fans, who gathered outside the studios for her last day, and hear her goodbye message in this special video farewell.

I missed seeing Beth's original debut a few months back, so this week was my first time seeing her. When she walked into the factory, I was instantly reminded of two characters, Janice Battersby and Cilla Battersby-Brown.

I know that some people didn't like Cilla, but I thought she was great, a bit over the top sometimes, but she added a lot of fun to the street with her various schemes, Corrie has been missing a character like her for sometimes and I think it's about time we got another.

Seeing as we've had requests for Fab Photo Friday and seeing as it's still Friday in my part of the world, let me offer you this until Sunny Jim gets his photos in gear for you.

This photo is a screen grab from a 1976 episode of Coronation Street. We see here Alf Roberts, Fred Gee and the third man is Terry Bradshaw, the brother of shop owner Renee Bradshaw (before she married Alf). Terry worked with Len and Ray in the builder's yard for a bit. At this point in the show, these three had ended up with a racing greyhound but it kept running off.

The dog was taken in by Albert Tatlock and these three stooges popped their heads round the door when they found out where the dog was. Albert was appalled that they were not feeding it much. Their excuse was that you needed the dog to be hungry when it raced. Poor pup!

Friday, 30 December 2011

Hopefully, if you're reading this it means you're a Coronation Street fan and you enjoy looking at the Coronation Street Blog. And instead of looking back over what's happened in the last 12 months, we're looking forward to the New Year. We're asking what YOU would like us to include or improve on here on this fan website.

Please leave comments below and let us know what you'd like more or less of on the blog and we'lld o our best to incorporate as much as possible from the things that fans ask for.

For instance, would you like more spoilers, news, competitions, polls. etc? We've already noted comments from fans asking for the return of Fab Photo Friday in 2012 and no sooner said than done, our blogger Sunny Jim is already on the case for that one.

So please, let us know what you'd like to see more (or less) of here and we'll do out best to cater for your requests as best as we can.

Also, we have some exciting news for 2012 about upcoming competitions. We have some brilliant ITV Corrie merchandise to be won in the next few weeks - so stay tuned!Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

I saw this photo somewhere completely unrelated to Corrie, where two commenters seemed to be having a fight over who could find the gurniest photos of Steve Macdonald - clearly people after our own hearts! Then one pulled out the big guns, so he did, by posting this screencap of Daddy Macdonald. I couldn't resist posting it on here again.

There's a story in today's Daily Star that says Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Barlow, will take a break from Coronation Street in 2012.

The paper says that "Bosses were forced to write Jane out of the soap after she begged for a few months off work." And on-screen, Leanne will leave Weatherfield after husband Peter admits he’sinlove with his Carla.

Peter finally confesses: “OK, it’s time for the truth. I didn’t want you to find out like this but I love Carla and we want to be together.” Leanne flies at him with her fists before breaking down in tears. Then she decides to pack her bags and go.

Little Simon is in tears and begs her not to leave. But she tells him her mind is made up and heads off from Weatherfield in a cab.

And the Star goes on to say that Jane will return to the soap: "Bosses have assured fans that Leanne will come back later next year."

HOWEVER - none of the above is true. The Chief Publicity Officer for Coronation Street tells us that the story in the Star is "Total Nonsense" and that Jane is NOT leaving Coronation Street - she's simply taking a two week holiday. Tabloids, eh?

Either last week's prop puzzle was too hard or everyone was too busy stuffing themselves with mince pies to bother entering as we had no guesses whatsoever. The tinsel covered tray can be found in the Barlow's house.

We continue the festive theme this week and ask where on Coronation Street would you find this Christmas card?

Coronation Street, Friday 30th December at 7.30pm
Note: there's just one episode tonight

Will Sophie & Sian say I do? Sian rushes back to No. 4 in tears, intent on packing her things and leaving as fast as possible. Arriving home Sophie begs Sian to give her another chance, swearing she loves her to bits and it was just nerves in church. Sian's head is a mess but eventually she thaws and agrees the wedding is back on. Will the girls tie the knot?
Carla’s stunned by attempted blackmail Frank admits to Anne that the pressure of his forthcoming trial is getting to him. Determined to do something Anne heads round to Carla's, where a visiting Peter is forced to hide in the bedroom. But when Anne tries to bribe Carla into not testifying, in return for Frank's 40% of Underworld, will Peter be able to keep quiet and how will Carla respond?
Karl takes a dangerous gamble. Karl gambles with Stella's money but luck is on his side and he wins a small fortune. Giving it to Stella he announces it's the deposit on the Rovers. But how will Stella react when she realises where the money has come from?
Elsewhere Steve's ex Beth gets a job at Frank's factory. Mary steps up Norris' piano training regime.

Thursday, 29 December 2011

I'm right looking forward to watching Sophie and Sian's wedding tonight on Coronation Street. As Rosie asked Rita at the hen party on Boxing Day: "Have you ever been to a teenage lesbian hen party?" and Rita replied, "No, I don't think I have." Well, neither have I (yet) and this lesbian wedding on Corrie is the closest I've come to far to watching two ladies being wed. I've been to a male marriage but not a women's one.

And as it's also the first time we've had a lesbian wedding on Coronation Street in its 50 year history, yes, I'm looking forward to watching it tonight - the make-up, the frocks, the cakes, the tears flowing down Sian's face when Sophie calls it all off.

Anyway, let's go behind the scenes with a picture gallery at the official Coronation Street website at itv.com where they have some wonderful 'making of the wedding episode' pictures. View the pictures here.

And if you'd like to know where Sophie and Sian's wedding dresses and Rosie's dress came from - they're here.

Coronation Street, Thursday 29th December at 8.30pm
It's Sophie’s big day. As Sophie prepares for her wedding Kevin takes her to one side to ask if she's having second thoughts but Sophie assures Kevin she's doing the right thing. With the service underway Sally and Janet look proudly at their daughters but Kevin secretly fears that Sophie's making a mistake. Sian reads out her wedding vows but when it comes to Sophie's turn, she's overcome with emotion and stumbles. It's not doubts, just nerves but as Kevin watches his daughter struggle for words his need to protect her is overwhelming. Will Kevin ruin Sophie's big day?
Karl resorts to desperate measures. When Stella receives some money from a Great Aunt Karl's faced with temptation. Will he steal the cash to fund his growing gambling habit?
It’s game on for Sylvia and Norris. Norris is considering throwing in the towel but Mary won't hear of it and when Sylvia suggests musical D-day is in 2 weeks time he reluctantly agrees.
Elsewhere Gail and Eva disagree as Nick looks at flats. As Steve and Tracy plan their wedding Becky's determined to pick herself up and carry on

It's Thursday and that means only one thing... time for the Steve McDonald gurn of the week. Thanks go Coronation Street fan Martin S. for this week's fab Stevie McGurn. If you've captured a good Corrie Steve gurn and want to share it via the blog, do email it in.

To see more gurnage from Stevie McGurn, have a look here, there's loads. Some good, some bad and some really very funny.

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Sally Dynevor, who plays Coronation Street's Sally Webster, gives a great interview to Woman magazine and admits she's ready to rebel. Sally will be 50 in 2012 and says her very public battle with breast cancer has left her in different frame of mind as she approaches the big five-oh.

She told Woman magazine: ‘I feel as though I’m starting to enter a new time in my life,’ she said. ‘I’m really excited about the future. As I get older I want to break the rules and be a bit rebellious. I’ve been so good for such a long time I just want to do something naughty. I want to do as much as I can. I just want to fill every minute of every day. I was talking to some of the Corrie girls and we all said 50 is the new 40, isn’t it? Fifty-year-olds now aren’t dressing like my mother’s generation did. I still want to be wearing a leather jacket and skinny jeans. Being 50 is just a number and it’s about how you feel in your head. I’m sure there are exciting times to come.’

On staying at Corrie, Sally said: ‘I’ve had so many good stories. If my storylines had dried up I would have left a long time ago. That’s not to say I might not venture off and do a bit of theatre when I get older. There are times when I see something and think, “I’d really like to be doing that”, but the reality is I wouldn’t get home at night to put my kids to bed. Corrie suits my life and that’s why I’ve stayed so long.’

Greetings and welcome to the Coronation Street Weekly Update. I trust you’ve all had a good Christmas and are wearing your new socks and pants with pride. It’s Corrie’s Christmas week and there’s been a lot happening so this could be a lot longer than you’re used to, as Norris will probably never say to Mary. And so, without any further ado, here we go with this week's Coronation Street update.

‘Tis the season to be jolly with peace and goodwill to all men. As for the women, they’re at each other’s throats with Tracy telling everyone who’ll listen that Becky pushed her down the stairs and killed her unborn twins. Stressed Becky necks back the voddy straight from the bottle, she’s beside herself with misery, made worse when she spots Steve on his knees on the cobbles asking Tracy-luv to marry him and of course the deluded mare, she says yes. There’s more voddy, more necking, more crying, more tears. And then Becky crawls up to her flat, burns her wedding pictures of Steve and falls asleep on the sofa as the flat goes up in flames.

But fear not, for lo, there’s a mobile phone gone astray at Gail’s house and Nick recognises it’s Becky’s, dashes to her flat to give it back to her, spots the flames, drags Becks out and is hailed a hero. Mind you, I was surprised the role of Becky’s saviour wasn’t given to Saint Stella of the Rovers, she seems to have an uncanny and irritating knack of saving every troubled soul on the Street and she’s only been in the show five minutes.

Anyway, Becky’s more determined than ever to prove Tracy’s telling lies about losing the babies and reports herself to the cops for assaulting Tracy. There’s method in her madness when the cops quiz Tracy and demand to know why she didn’t report the assault herself. Ooh, it’ll all come out, just you wait and see. And in the meantime, every time a flash of guilt crosses Deirdre’s face, the camera pans right in on her and you can see right up her nose.Peter and Carla share a Christmas moment and he gives her necklace. It’s a necklace that Stella (see, she’s involved again) has already seen in Peter’s shopping bag and assumes it’s for Leanne’s Christmas gift, but it’s not, it’s for Carla.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a lickle baby and in true soap fashion, unto us Corrie fans a child is born at the Weatherfield Community Centre nativity play. Pregnant Katy steps in to play Mary when little FAYe drops out with nerves. Katy goes into labour and gives birth to a little boy they name Joseph with a middle name of Peter after Chesney’s dog Schmeichel, which was a nice touch. Chesney almost missed the birth though ‘cos he was dressed as an elf stranded in the middle of a forest. It’s a long story and if were more interesting I’d tell you, but it’s not.

Left to the babysitting while Katy goes on a night out with Anna, Fiz and Izzy, Chesney enlists Kirk’s help to get his new baby off to sleep. “How der yer do it?” wonders Chesney when Kirk rocks baby Joseph Peter Battersby-Brown Armstrong to sleep. “I whisper lines from me favourite films in his ear”. I bet mumsnetters were all over the forums with that one.

At the nativity, little Simon’s playing an innkeeper. “Like Steve?” he asks Ken. “More like a simple man,” replies Ken to which little Simon goes: “Like Kirk?”Gail’s back from Milan and in a bad mood so Kylie offers to leave her to her Menopause Monthly magazine and cook Christmas dinner instead. It’s all a bit tense but it goes to plan in the end and Kylie stands by her sister, encouraging her to wreak revenge on tacky Tracy.

On Christmas Day, David Platt celebrated his 21st birthday. And as any Corrie fan knows, Rosie Webster was born the day before David, on Christmas Eve, yet her 21st went unmentioned, which was rather odd I thought. But anyway Rosie’s far too busy organising Sophie and Sian’s lesbian hen party to remember her own 21st. Like, er, no, that just would not happen. At the hen do, Amber does her best to mooch about looking miserable and Sunita knows that summat happened between Amber and Sophie and tells Sophie to look into her heart before she marries Sian. Rita turns up first at the hen-do and Rosie takes her coat. “Have you ever been to a teenage lesbian hen party before?” she asks Reet who has a quick think, because there’s not much this woman hasn’t done, before replying. “Do you know, I don’t think I have.”

At Roy’s Rolls, Rita, Emily, Norris and Dennis are put right off their sprouts when Sylvia returns from her cruise. She’s full of tales of a sprightly seventy-odd year old called Milton, an American, who gave her the glad-eye while she was onboard. Sylvia then gets out her uke-banjo and gives them a festive fiddle, prompting Norris to declare he can do better. Sylvia demands that he prove it and lays a £50 bet that she’ll win the musical stand-off. Mary offers to be Norris’ musical muse and teach him to play the piano when he admits that he’s rubbish at tinkling the ivories.

And finally, Izzy and Gary have a Christmas snog. I love these two together, I really do.

The official Coronation Street website at ITV.com has a behind the scenes video of how the fire at the Streetcars flat was filmed.

The video shows how they achieved setting the interior on fire without burning down the whole set. It's an interesting watch, and there's also some rehearsal footage with Becky being replaced by a roll of carpet!

Monday, 26 December 2011

Christmas Tree Fail award: All the Christmas trees dropped their needles overnight! So much for having money in your pockets, lads.

Cheapskate award: Who would take a taxi from Manchester to London, Heathrow, making him drive all night, and NOT tip the driver?

Crossed the line award: Cruel star: Tracy might be upset and afraid she's losing Steve, but accusing Becky of pushing her down the stairs and causing the miscarraige and blackmailing Deirdre to back her up is not on.

Hero award: Nick saved Becky!

Fashion award: Kylie's tights! Chesney and Gary's Elf outfits!

Confidence Fail award: Faye bragged she'd be the best Mary ever. And then got stage fright.

Cracks are showing award: Kirsty isn't all sweetness and light like she started off, is she? She was vile to Fiz.

Why are you still here award: Mary's gone from quirky to rude and annoying.

I've got your back award: Gold Star: Kylie's on Becky's side, finally. So are Nick, David and even Gail, it seems.

Lowlife award: Steve really has been vile to Becky and he should know Becky better.

Phrase of Doom award: Tracy Barlow Will You Marry Me!? Boy oh Boy are you going to regret that!!

Rock Bottom award: Becky hit the wall. There's nowhere to go but up.

Lines of the Week:
Audrey "It's not a very good advert for a hairdresser's, is it? A bald tree!"
Eileen "I've got needles in my underwear. I'm risking injury just sitting here!"
Chesney "This job was about standing on my own two feet. Branching out!" (and he said it with a straight face!)
Kylie "If I'd have been Mary, I'd have given Joseph hell for not booking!"
Sophie re Rosie organizing the hen night "Low key and classy, I told her" Amber "I hope you lent her a dictionary. So how chavvy is it going to be on a scale of 1 to 10?" Sian "11!"
Gary "I used to wear the Queen's uniform!" Chesney "Did she mind?"
Simon "Never work with animals and children!"
Tyrone "Do you not want me to have any friends" (No, she doesn't)
Katy "Am I hallucinating?" Chesney "No. I *am* dressed as an elf"

Why didn't Eileen ask Julie and Brian to dinner if everyone left her on her own?

Becky decides to fight back. Becky's touched when the Croppers insist Becky comes back from hospital with them and Sylvia prepares a welcome home lunch. After a run in with Steve, Kylie, Roy and Hayley assure Becky they believe she's innocent and encourage her to pick herself up and prove everyone wrong. Taking this on board a purposeful Becky strides into the police station to make her next move. Meanwhile Deirdre tells Tracy that she can't lie for her any more. A row breaks out just as Steve walks in, will he discover the truth about Tracy's miscarriage?
Eva surprises Nick. When Karl suggests it's time Eva started paying some rent Nick suggests she get a flat with a friend. But Eva misconstrues this and excitedly thinks Nick wants them to move in together. Jumping the gun she puts a deposit on a flat for them. How will Nick react?
Chesney’s left holding the baby. When Katy has a girls night out with Anna, Izzy and Fiz, Chesney and Kirk soon learn that babies can be quite demanding!
Elsewhere When a gutted Sian hears that her dad's refusing to attend her wedding it rams home to Sophie just how much Sian's sacrificing for her. Offering to call off the wedding we sense it's as much to do with Sophie's own doubts. How will Sian react? Sylvia continues to bang on about Milton, who's taught her to play ukulele, and challenges Norris to a musical duel. Her ukulele playing versus his piano skills.

Becky sends the police to Tracy. As Tracy talks her way out of trouble with Steve, Becky asks the police to investigate a serious assault, revealing how Tracy has wrongly accused her of pushing her down the stairs and causing her miscarriage. Tracy's caught in the headlights when the police arrive at the Rovers and question her about Becky's allegations. Refusing to discuss it she flees upset as Becky urges Steve to wake up and see what a lying bitch Tracy really is. Back at the Barlows Tracy tells Deirdre it's now imperative that they keep up the lie, otherwise she could end up back in prison. Worried sick will Deirdre agree?
Amber plays a nasty game with Sophie. It's Sophie & Sian's hen night and after a game of Mrs & Mrs, Sally makes a touching speech. But when Amber takes Sophie to one side and tells her she's making a mistake by marrying Sian and leans in for a kiss how will Sophie react? Witnessing the tail-end of Amber's trick Sunita lays into her before deciding it's time the Websters know that Sophie is having doubts about the wedding.
Nick thinks he’s set Eva straight. Nick apologises to Eva, claiming he really like her but isn't ready to live together yet. Will Eva accept this and agree to give the relationship another go?
Elsewhere when Norris admits to Mary that he's never been that good on the piano she vows to whip him into shape for his competition with Sylvia.

When I heard there was going to be a fire in Corrie this Christmas, I got slightly worried it'd take away from the festivities, but this years special did the opposite instead of the fire being a focal point, it was just another story in a street full of festive tales. What makes Corrie's Christmas specials for me is the fact that no one needs to die, nowhere needs to blow up or end up on their deathbed.

I knew it was going to be a great episode from the opening moments with the radio presenters talking over a shot of a snowy street. The highlight of the episode for me was Sylvia's return and her singing, it's great to have her back again, it was nice to see Gary and Izzy reunite too, hopefully this time everything will work out a little better.

Sunday, 25 December 2011

Coronation Street, Sunday 25th December
1 hour episode at 8pmBecky's Christmas goes up in smoke. At the Barlows Tracy fears this may be her last Christmas with Steve but assuring her that he loves her, and the only person he blames for their loss of their babies is Becky, he reveals he has a surprise present for her. After telling Stella he's putting the Rovers up for sale, and giving her first refusal, Steve delights Tracy by revealing he's bought Lloyd's house so they can live together as a family. Pulling out an engagement ring Steve proposes to Tracy. In contrast Becky's alone in her flat when Kylie calls to invite her to the Platts. Feeling out of place Becky lies that she's going to the Croppers and leaves. Outside she bumps into Steve and is devastated to hear that he's asked Tracy to marry him. Back at the flat Becky drinks destructively while burning photos of her and Steve. Falling asleep drunk she has no idea the embers are still alight and as the fire takes hold Nick, who's gone to the Croppers to check on Becky, sees smoke coming from the flat. He kicks the door down as an ambulance is called but will Nick reach Becky in time?
All Peter’s Christmases come at once. Carla's thrilled when she opens the necklace from Peter. Meanwhile as Leanne shows off the new mobile Peter bought her Stella's perturbed, assuming the necklace was for Leanne. Unaware he's under suspicion Peter sneaks off to the factory to see Carla where he gets more than a kiss under the mistletoe!
Kylie takes charge of the Platts’ Christmas. As the Platts celebrate David's 21st birthday Kylie prepares a surprisingly good dinner. But when they're interrupted by news that Becky's flat is on fire it looks like her best efforts will be ruined.
Elsewhere Chesney and Katy are smitten as they bring Jospeh home. When Will asks Izzy to move their relationship to the next stage she turns him down. Watching on will Gary take his cue to win Izzy back? Eileen spends Christmas home alone so when Paul offers to bring Lesley to the pub for a drink will she feel some festive cheer? Sylvia arrives back from her cruise on a high after a holiday romance.

Confession time: I kind of sort of know Katherine Kelly. I always thought she was a fabulous actress and I was delighted when she turned up on Corrie. Becky was a Corrie classic, I think, a proper brassy Northern tart-with-a-heart, a character that has a long history in literature and indeed in Corrie. I loved her, and I loved the fact that she argued with everyone, and that she became close - and in many ways a surrogate daughter - to Roy and Hayley.

Where they went wrong with Becky for me was pairing her with Steve. I thought they had absolutely no chemistry and it seemed like he just arbitrarily swapped from a relationship with Michelle to one with Becky. Then Becky turned into a control freak and Steve could never seem to stop her madcap schemes. I was so glad when they split up - now Becky's back to skulking on street corners having a fag. (I do love a bit of this: see also Peter). The age gap between them was never mentioned but should have been - there must be about 10 years between them at least, and this could have been exploited more I think.

I'm sad that she's leaving, but I hope Katherine will be seen on TV in the future. I do think that Becky's time has come to an end; there isn't much else for her to do, I don't think. She would need more of a family and she hasn't got one on the Street. (Mind you, neither does Steve, especially if HOPEFULLY he and Tracy break up, but no one seems in a rush to get rid of him - more's the pity). She's also never really been that friendly with the other women on the street, although I did love her recent scenes with Lloyd. I do think that Becky is a Corrie classic, if not yet an icon, and who knows we may see her in the future - but for now I bid a fond farewell to her.

Time to celebrate the festive season, Weatherfield style. Here's the perfect song for your Christmas parties - a medley of pop classics performed by Ivy Tilsley, Jack Duckworth and Brian Tilsley. And yes: that IS Sally Webster having a crack at Madonna.

Michelle Collins, aka Saint Stella of the Rovers in our house for the character's uncanny ability to right Weatherfield's wrongs after only being in the show five minutes, has had her contract renewed to stay on Coronation Street.

The Mirror reports today that Corrie producers "are delighted with her character and she will finalise the details of her new deal in January.

Stella's on-screen partner Karl Munro and daughter Eva Price, played by John Michie and Catherine Tyldesley, are also set to stay as the family will try to buy the Rovers Return after Christmas.

A Corrie insider said: “The viewers took to them and they’re getting rewarded.” Not in our house, they didn't. We've warmed to Karl and Eva but we really can't stand Stella.

A Street spokeswoman confirmed the new contract plans and said: “Everyone is really pleased.”

I'm not. Are you?

I mean, I would be pleased if Stella had been brought in gradually instead of being thrown in our faces as Leanne's mum. She then saved Leanne's life in the bookies raid and has been involved in and on screen in just about almost every single storyline that's ever been on Corrie since she first appeared. I'm fed up to the back teeth with her and I don't care if it's Christmas, yes, this is a rant. I have nothing against Michelle Collins, but by God, please, no more Stella. Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Well done to Tvor, Scott and one of our anonymous contributors who last week spotted that the racing car chair belongs to Simon Barlow and can be found in the bookie's flat. Another festive poser this week. where on Coronation Street would you find this tinsel covered tray?

Coronation Street Friday 23rd December at 7.30pm
The nativity takes an unexpected twist. When the guy who sold Chesney and Gary the diseased Christmas trees offers them a lucrative job at the garden centre Ches is relieved to be able to recoup the cash he lost. But when they’re told they have to wear elf costumes their enthusiasm wanes. Meanwhile it’s the day of the nativity and Katy’s helping Faye with her lines as Mary. Katy gets her word perfect but as she prepares to go on stage she’s suddenly hit with stage fright and at the last minute Katy’s forced to take her place. Having finished work Chesney is rushing back to see the play but when Gary’s van fails to start it looks like they won’t make it. On stage the play is going brilliantly and as Katy relives the birth the audience gasp at her realistic portrayal of labour. What they don’t realise is that her ‘performance’ is real and as they applaud she cries out for an ambulance! Pandemonium ensues and as Chesney gets the call to get their quick the elves are forced to make a run for it.
Tracy and Becky come to blows at the nativity. Seeing how down Becky is, due to Tracy’s allegations, Kylie invites her to the nativity to see Max. There she’s faced with Steve and Tracy. Breaking down Becky begs Tracy to tell the truth, promising to get out of their lives for good if she does. Rattled by her plea will Tracy come clean?
Sian has a surprise for Sophie. Sian’s determined to give Sophie her dream wedding and introduces her to Father Douglas, who’s agreed to give a service of celebration of their wedding in his church. Sian’s canceled the other venue as she knows what Sophie really wants is a church wedding. But as Father Douglas talks to the girls about commitment will a guilty Sophie crack?
Elsewhere a jealous Kirsty tells Tyrone she wants him to keep his distance from Fiz, claiming that as a copper she can’t associate with criminals.

Corrie Friday 23rd December at 8.30pm
Chesney defies all odds in a bid to see Katy give birth. As the hall clears and an ambulance is called a terrified Katy goes into full labour. Anna takes charge as a desperate Chesney and Gary find a couple of bikes and start pedaling furiously. Will they arrive in time as Katy gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, Joseph Peter?
Ostracised Becky begins a downward spiral. Drunk and depressed Becky throws her belongings in a bag, intent on leaving Weatherfield. But when Roy and Hayley see her going they persuade her into the cafe. They try to talk her round, but when Becky overhears Hayley admitting to Roy that she doesn't know whether to believe Becky or Tracy's version of events, Becky feels totally betrayed and storms out.
Sophie struggles with her faith. As Sophie continues to dwell on her kiss with Amber, Sunita urges her to put it behind her. Sophie promises to try but when Sian asks an uncomfortable Amber to be their bridesmaid will she be ale to move on?
Elsewhere Tina's stunned when Kirsty surprises her housemates with a beautiful Christmas tree, complete with presents for each of them underneath. As she suggests to Tina that they become friends will Tina agree? Eileen's disappointed when Paul phones and cancels Christmas dinner.